Find out how long the replaced parts should last. Then with both bits of info in hand go to then and go through the Honda documentation first. Then, once they admit fault on that, confront them with the fact you've been unnecessarily paying them money to replace something that should last X km's and you now want to be reimbursed. If they balk at that then take them to the small claims court!

Make sure they are testing correctly. Honda ball joints have play new. Check.with Honda for correct test and specs. garage should know that.
I had that issue in the past. Supplyed info from.Honda and sorted it

I had a near new car (less than 2 years old) several years ago fail a warrant at the good old Test Station when they were a quasi government outfit. The inspector used a big pinch bar to lever on the panhard rod bushes then told me they exhibited too much play and that this was a known issue with this model of car.

I went straight round to the dealer and spoke with the service manager. He had a look and told me there was nothing wrong with them and what's more had never ever had to replace any on any of this model of car.

Back to the Testing Station, same inspector looked at the car and asked what I had done, to which I replied "Nothing" and informed him what I had been told by the dealers service manager.

Was that written on the WOF form or what she told you? Maybe they explained it to her in simple terms as I would take that to mean her tyres have a bulge, therefore a separation and therefore a hazard. Absolutely a FAIL.

Ford Australia were replacing the joints for free, but, Ford NZ where initially refusing to pay for fixing this design fault. I had one ball joint fail at 30k, and another at 45k when they should last at least 150k.

"Testing of vehicle ball joints Please bear in mind when checking vehicle ball joints that play detected in a ball joint may be within the manufacturer’s tolerances, especially if it is spring-loaded (see Infosheet 2.05: Detecting wear in spring-loaded ball joints). This should help avoid the ball joint being replaced unnecessarily. If you initially fail the vehicle but the owner can supply information showing that the manufacturer’s wear limits are not exceeded, or information from the manufacturer’s representative showing that the manufacturer’s tests fi nd the joint within safe tolerance of its specifi cation when manufactured, then you should issue the WoF to the vehicle."

"Inspection 1. Know the correct test method for checking axial wear in ball joints. This is often speciied by the vehicle manufacturer. Some manufacturers do not recommend axial testing at all and test instead for radial wear. 2. Know the manufacturer’s maximum permitted wear tolerances. These may vary from as little as 2 mm up to 6 mm."

Developments since last post, the garage refused to believe any paperwork I presented to them, I then investigated official complaint procedure, but was put off when I was told something to the effect of garages can use whatever test they like, and we won't say thats right or wrong way to do it.

VINZ, VTNZ, Honda and 3 small garages all said the test method used on my car was wrong.

However in the end I needed the car for work so couldn't play around any longer, so I booked the car in for replacement of the (most likely) perfectly good ball joints at another garage - and when they went to change them, they rung me up and said there was nothing wrong with them at all, and so issued a new WOF instead.

IlDuce: Developments since last post, the garage refused to believe any paperwork I took to them, I investigated official complaint procedure, but was put off when I was told something to the effect of garages can use whatever test they like, and we won't say thats right or wrong way to do it.

VINZ, VTNZ, Honda and 3 small garages all said the test method used on my car was wrong.

However in the end I needed the car for work so couldn't play around any longer, so I booked the car in for replacement of the (most likely) perfectly good ball joints at another garage - and when they went to change them, they rung me up and said there was nothing wrong with them at all, and so issued a new WOF instead.

WTF

who told you that? They cannot. Honda themselves said they are ok, which in the resources posted above is what the WOF issuer has to go by. Please, keep going with action and get those clowns sorted!

I first called Motor Vehicle Contact Centre, who said I could make complaint, but I would need to NOT drive car and NOT get it repaired, and they would get someone to assess it, however this sounded like a long process time wise, and they couldn't comment on correct procedure to test ball joints.

So later I discovered DVCU - no idea what it stands for but its like the warrant complaints place I think? After laying down the situation, he spoke to colleague while I was on hold, and came back to there is no set procedure, no right or wrong way as a testing procedure, blah blah about how there are lots of brands of cars and models and its too hard to know specific testing procedures, so garages can use whatever test they think produces results... but if the manufacturer can provide evidence the test procedure is wrong and what is correct way, they must believe it, and issue WOF if it meets the standards, and I said well thats where my problem is - I've met an impasse with them over that as they are steadfast they have done it right. After they conversation I had pretty much given up.

IlDuce: I first called Motor Vehicle Contact Centre, who said I could make complaint, but I would need to NOT drive car and NOT get it repaired, and they would get someone to assess it, however this sounded like a long process time wise, and they couldn't comment on correct procedure to test ball joints.

So later I discovered DVCU - no idea what it stands for but its like the warrant complaints place I think? After laying down the situation, he spoke to colleague while I was on hold, and came back to there is no set procedure, no right or wrong way as a testing procedure, blah blah about how there are lots of brands of cars and models and its too hard to know specific testing procedures, so garages can use whatever test they think produces results... but if the manufacturer can provide evidence the test procedure is wrong and what is correct way, they must believe it, and issue WOF if it meets the standards, and I said well thats where my problem is - I've met an impasse with them over that as they are steadfast they have done it right. After they conversation I had pretty much given up.

Il Duce has the answer. If his garage refuses to follow the WOF inspection manual and other guidelines from Land Transport, go somewhere else. Those guys probably don't follow any instructions so why persist in giving them business.

IlDuce: Developments since last post, the garage refused to believe any paperwork I presented to them, I then investigated official complaint procedure, but was put off when I was told something to the effect of garages can use whatever test they like, and we won't say thats right or wrong way to do it.

VINZ, VTNZ, Honda and 3 small garages all said the test method used on my car was wrong.

However in the end I needed the car for work so couldn't play around any longer, so I booked the car in for replacement of the (most likely) perfectly good ball joints at another garage - and when they went to change them, they rung me up and said there was nothing wrong with them at all, and so issued a new WOF instead.

Crappy when that happens.... I would just start using another garage.

Town I grew up in one of the local garages was an absolute nightmare. I stayed with my folks for month or two after I first finished my degree. My car previous had passed its last WOF without anything even mentioned as needing addressing. Car needed a WOF while I was away so my mum took the car to the local garage, it came back with needing at least 12 items fixed everything from rear window clips or something like that as the old ones weren't safe, seat belts needed replacing as their was too much play in them the works!

Told my mum not to let any work be done on it at all. Few weeks later when I got back, took the car to a garage I trusted (unfortunately my home town is pretty rural meaning 40+ ks to find another garage). Anyway passed its WOF without requiring any remedy except one of the tires was coming near for replacement so that was noted. I was amazed!

In the end its easier not to fight your garage over these sort of things, just change to someone else from now on, and make sure friends/family know said garage is crap.